Why donate to charities?

[teddymines]

This is a sore subject for me. What is the real reason people and corporations give to charities? Is it to benefit others, or benefit themselves?

If you notice, there is usually some sort of "credit" given to those who give, usually in the form of public recognition. I believe if you give, and expect even the smallest public recognition to enhance your image in the eyes of others, or profitability, then you are giving for the wrong reasons. How often do you see anonymous donations to charity? Not very often.

 

[StageLeft]

I believe if you give, and expect even the smallest public recognition to enhance your image in the eyes of others, or profitability, then you are giving for the wrong reasons. How often do you see anonymous donations to charity? Not very often.

True.

My bone to pick with charities is that some of them have GROSS administration fees - even some of the big famous ones put a pathetically small percentage of the donation into what you really think the money is going in to.

 

[pulse8]

Who cares what their motivation is?

These charities are still getting money that is needed. Isn't that what really matters?

 

[Linflas]

I give to charities that are doing things I support and consider important. That is why I refuse to be pressured by my company into giving to United Way. I refuse to fund the overhead that is involved in United Way.

 

[badluck]

This is a sore subject for me. What is the real reason people and corporations give to charities? Is it to benefit others, or benefit themselves?

Dood, where is this land you live in where everything is perfect??

 

[StageLeft]

Geeze a lot of defensive people here today!

 

[Beau]

Originally posted by: teddymines
This is a sore subject for me. What is the real reason people and corporations give to charities? Is it to benefit others, or benefit themselves?

If you notice, there is usually some sort of "credit" given to those who give, usually in the form of public recognition. I believe if you give, and expect even the smallest public recognition to enhance your image in the eyes of others, or profitability, then you are giving for the wrong reasons. How often do you see anonymous donations to charity? Not very often.

At least they are doing something to make the world a better place, even if it feeds their ego. I am a member of to prominant humanitarian groups, and am planning on going to Ethiopia this fall to do charity work. I will probably get my name in the papers and have get a neat title on the board of contributors (I'm setting up computer systems for a school that we are building in a village out there, and I am the webmaster for both groups). I admit that I do this for a few reasons, on being to make me feel good about myself, and my public image -- is that selfish, maybe a little, but I'm sure that I am doing more good than harm.

 

[UltraQuiet]

Originally posted by: Linflas
I give to charities that are doing things I support and consider important. That is why I refuse to be pressured by my company into giving to United Way. I refuse to fund the overhead that is involved in United Way.

The federal goverment every year does what is called the Combined Federal Campaign. This is the only time that chairties can solicit federal employees. Every charity that wants to can have their name in this book. All the charities are listed with the description of the charity and the percentage of donations that go towards administrative costs. Some of them are really outrageous. United Way I think was one of the worst.

 

[Fausto]

Originally posted by: DaveSohmer

Originally posted by: Linflas
I give to charities that are doing things I support and consider important. That is why I refuse to be pressured by my company into giving to United Way. I refuse to fund the overhead that is involved in United Way.

The federal goverment every year does what is called the Combined Federal Campaign. This is the only time that chairties can solicit federal employees. Every charity that wants to can have their name in this book. All the charities are listed with the description of the charity and the percentage of donations that go towards administrative costs. Some of them are really outrageous. United Way I think was one of the worst.

Which essentially sums up why the CFC pamphlet goes straight in the trash can every year when it shows up in my mailbox.
:disgust:

 

[teddymines]

Originally posted by: Beau6183

At least they are doing something to make the world a better place, even if it feeds their ego. I am a member of to prominant humanitarian groups, and am planning on going to Ethiopia this fall to do charity work. I will probably get my name in the papers and have get a neat title on the board of contributors (I'm setting up computer systems for a school that we are building in a village out there, and I am the webmaster for both groups). I admit that I do this for a few reasons, on being to make me feel good about myself, and my public image -- is that selfish, maybe a little, but I'm sure that I am doing more good than harm.

The problem with this is charities use this hook to get funding. This results in a society where people give provided they something in return, rather than give because it is the right thing to do. The UW here was raffling off a car, and my company was raffling off vacation time! This is because people need a better reason to part with their money (and time for volunteering) rather than just helping others. Our values have sure changed.

 

[Beau]

Originally posted by: teddymines

Originally posted by: Beau6183

At least they are doing something to make the world a better place, even if it feeds their ego. I am a member of to prominant humanitarian groups, and am planning on going to Ethiopia this fall to do charity work. I will probably get my name in the papers and have get a neat title on the board of contributors (I'm setting up computer systems for a school that we are building in a village out there, and I am the webmaster for both groups). I admit that I do this for a few reasons, on being to make me feel good about myself, and my public image -- is that selfish, maybe a little, but I'm sure that I am doing more good than harm.

The problem with this is charities use this hook to get funding. This results in a society where people give provided they something in return, rather than give because it is the right thing to do. The UW here was raffling off a car, and my company was raffling off vacation time! This is because people need a better reason to part with their money (and time for volunteering) rather than just helping others. Our values have sure changed.

Again, so what. Something is better than nothing, reguardless of the reasoning.

 

[dafatha00]

Originally posted by: teddymines
This is a sore subject for me. What is the real reason people and corporations give to charities? Is it to benefit others, or benefit themselves?

If you notice, there is usually some sort of "credit" given to those who give, usually in the form of public recognition. I believe if you give, and expect even the smallest public recognition to enhance your image in the eyes of others, or profitability, then you are giving for the wrong reasons. How often do you see anonymous donations to charity? Not very often.

I understand what you are saying. However, the people that give to charity are doing more good for society than say, someone who doesn't do anything at all.

Also, don't most people perform kind acts to enhance their image? If an old woman needs help accross the street, is it bad to help her?

 

[DaveSimmons]

I give because I can spare the money and it's my nature to be helpful. I don't care whether I'm listed in some book as a contributor or not, I usually allow it in case I ever start itemizing deductions.

 

[kranky]

I can only speak for myself, but I'm not looking for any recognition when I make donations. If the charity sends me a nice certificate, OK, but I'm not counting on it nor do I expect it.

How about a few facts?
United Way of America: 91% of all funds spent on programs.
Salvation Army, 76% of all funds spent on programs, only 1% spent on fundraising.
American Heart Association, 70% of all funds spent on programs, 18% on fundraising.
Christian Applachian Project, 84% of all funds spent on projects, 13% on fundraising.

This is a "pathetically small percentage" to spend on the actual mission of the charity? I would disagree.

And if a huge organization needs to spend $200,000 on a chief executive to make sure it is run properly, that's OK with me. For a comparison, let's look at People for the American Way whose CEO makes $200,000 but the entire organization has a $5.5 million budget, which to me seems quite excessive in comparison to the CEO of the Christian Appalachian Project who makes $104,361 but runs a $66 million organization. The CAP is 11 times larger in dollars but only has 3 times the employees of People for the American Way. Which seems more efficient?

 

[ucdnam]

You know, I'd give to the poor and donate my money to organizations if the federal government didn't take 28% of my income as taxes. Add to this what California takes from me, I wonder why people still donate to anything. I can see why people are pissed when your tax money is used by the govn. to support something you don't believe in.

 

[FoBoT]

i only donate to my church
and to people directly
many "charities" spend 50-90% of the money they collect on "administrative" costs -> salaries for the people running the charity and other BS expenses, the "cause" gets very, very little of the money :disgust:

 

[teddymines]

Originally posted by: dafatha00

I understand what you are saying. However, the people that give to charity are doing more good for society than say, someone who doesn't do anything at all.

Also, don't most people perform kind acts to enhance their image? If an old woman needs help accross the street, is it bad to help her?

I'm not criticizing the benefits of charitable organizations, nor helping people in need, but I do have an issue with people expecting ANYTHING in return. Even if that old woman didn't thank you after helping her across the street, it was still the right thing to do.

If you had the choice of getting a hug from someone housed in a home you helped build, or getting your name published in the paper or engraved on a plaque, which would you choose?

 

[Linflas]

Originally posted by: DaveSohmer

Originally posted by: Linflas
I give to charities that are doing things I support and consider important. That is why I refuse to be pressured by my company into giving to United Way. I refuse to fund the overhead that is involved in United Way.

The federal goverment every year does what is called the Combined Federal Campaign. This is the only time that chairties can solicit federal employees. Every charity that wants to can have their name in this book. All the charities are listed with the description of the charity and the percentage of donations that go towards administrative costs. Some of them are really outrageous. United Way I think was one of the worst.

When I was in the Navy there was a lot of pressure put on us to participate in the CFC. There is nothing like being an E4 making $600.00 something a month and being told you really need to think about contributing so your squadron CO can make his goals. :disgust: As far as I am concerned this should not be allowed in the military or government but it is very common. My company tries to pressure us with the United Way by trying to require us to turn in pledge cards even if we are not giving anything. So far I have been successful just ignoring the whole mess.

 

[UltraQuiet]

When I was in the Navy there was a lot of pressure put on us to participate in the CFC.

CFC or the Navy/Marine Corps Relief Society. Always some pressure to donate to the NMCRS not so much for the CFC.



Dave

 

[alrocky]

Originally posted by: teddymines
This is a sore subject for me...

What a peculiar point of view. So what if someone wants/gets recognition for donation to charity! What's the big deal about that? Any 'benefit' to the contibutor, tax or otherwise, would tend to increase the size of the gift and spur more participation of other people. If you didn't notice, your 'point' about anonymous donors suggests this as well. Charities do not discriminate from those with pure altruism or those who need a little incentive.

I avoid those charities with high administrative costs. Our office has had 100% participation the last couple of years. The first year we went 100% was because we learned an SOB boss was gonna get a pie in the face if we went 100% and we were all hoping for the chance to give him the pie.

 

[AreaCode707]

I've, in the past, donated to Compassion International

FISCAL YEAR 2000-2001


Program Expenses $81,591,890 80.4%
Child Programs $74,001,160 72.9%
Sponsor Ministries $7,590,730 7.5%

Supporting Expenses $19,886,603 19.6%
Fund-Raising/Estate Planning $9,771,604 9.6%
Administration $10,114,999 10%


More than 70% of what's donated directly affects the child's life. 7.5%, as it says, indirectly affects it through supporting local ministries. 10% for fundraising, 10% for overhead. Pretty good.

 

[ScottyB]

I give to the Santas on x-mas and to the people whos' vest say "Help the retards" I also hold the door open for people.

 

[Cyberian]

How about a few facts?
United Way of America: 91% of all funds spent on programs.
Salvation Army, 76% of all funds spent on programs, only 1% spent on fundraising.
American Heart Association, 70% of all funds spent on programs, 18% on fundraising.
Christian Applachian Project, 84% of all funds spent on projects, 13% on fundraising.

kranky -

Do you mind telling us where you found that info?

I'd like to check on a couple of charities that I donate to.

 

[gopunk]

any action is motivated by selfishness.

 

[Zebo]

Originally posted by: Cyberian

How about a few facts?
United Way of America: 91% of all funds spent on programs.
Salvation Army, 76% of all funds spent on programs, only 1% spent on fundraising.
American Heart Association, 70% of all funds spent on programs, 18% on fundraising.
Christian Applachian Project, 84% of all funds spent on projects, 13% on fundraising.

kranky -

Do you mind telling us where you found that info?

I'd like to check on a couple of charities that I donate to.

Ditto.
I gave 15k to the Chruch last year which probably breaks down to 20% spent on progams and 80% on lawyers!